Manufacturing Technical Lead

Thompson Aero Seating; Portadown; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

33 days annual leave

Pension scheme (Contributory)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Life Assurance 4x salary

Health cash plan

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating is seeking a Manufacturing Technical Lead to oversee problem solving and improvements within the Composites Department, with a focus on training a skilled cross-functional team on the shop floor.

You will support composite manufacturing operations, identify training gaps, and drive continuous improvement through RCCA and standardization while ensuring health, safety and quality standards are met on a day shift (06:30–14:45, Monday–Friday).

Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated Lean manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing: lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and manufacturing docs.
• Working knowledge of MRP.
• Flexible and resilient with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support composite manufacturing operations from prep to assembly.
• Train stakeholders and maintain documentation.
• Identify training gaps and implement plans.
• Drive process improvement through RCCA and standardisation.
• Act as on-floor technical contact for quality, process, tooling, and equipment.
• Liaise with Manufacturing Engineering to update work instructions.
• Maintain tooling and equipment and liaise with Maintenance on issues.
• Inspect finished products against specifications.
• Support process audits and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure on-time delivery with management and maintain housekeeping and safety.

Skills

Lean engineering

Problem solving

Training

MRP

Analytical skills

Tools

MRP system

Quality systems

Job description

The Manufacturing Technical Lead will be responsible for problem solving and improvements within the Composites Department, with a key focus on training other stakeholders to ensure the department is equipped with a skilled cross functional team.

The successful candidate will be required to work the following work pattern:

Day Shift - 06:30 - 14:45 - Monday to Friday.

Responsibilities

• Support composite manufacturing operations including material preparation, lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding and assembly processes
• Train other stakeholders and maintain documentation
• Identify training gaps and implement training plans to address
• Use problem solving skills to maximise process capability and eliminate waste throughout composite manufacturing operations
• Act as first point of contact on the shop floor for all technical issues which include quality, process, tooling and equipment related concerns
• Liaise with Manufacturing Engineering to discuss improvements that add value to composite manufacturing processes and ensure processes and Work Instructions are kept up to date
• Check and maintain tooling and equipment to ensure functionality and liaise with the Maintenance Department regarding issues affecting quality and production
• Understand specifications of the task at hand using engineering drawings, process specifications and manufacturing instructions
• Inspect and measure finished products and determine if the process has been completed properly
• Support process audits and ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and customer requirements
• Liaise with Lead/Manager to ensure high standards of work and on-time delivery in accordance with business needs
• Maintain housekeeping standards to ensure a clean and safe workplace
• Ensure Health & Safety standards are adhered to
• Escalate issues to management as required
• Clean and maintain supplies, tools, equipment and storage areas to ensure compliance with quality and safety regulations
• Support introduction of new composite products, materials and manufacturing processes
• Drive continuous improvement through RCCA activities and process standardisation

Reward

• Competitive salary
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - Corporate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Service Awards
• Local charity / sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• Experience in a highly regulated Lean Engineering/Manufacturing environment
• Good working knowledge and experience of composite manufacturing processes including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming and bonding
• Experience working from engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Working knowledge of MRP
• Adaptable to change and varying situations
• Ability to show resilience and a flexible approach
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Desirable

• Line Management experience
• Previous experience of production planning
• Previous experience of training other stakeholders and documenting progress

We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 4th October 2026 at 17:00.